2012 Comrades Marathon champion Ludwick Mamabolo (first from left) leads the University of Limpopo Athletics Club’s 2026 Comrades Marathon team. Photos: Frans Nkhapele
Experienced campaigners and first-time runners set to tackle the 2026 Comrades Marathon Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg
By Johannes Selepe – mosela.selepe@ul.ac.za
On 14 June 2026, 20 athletes from the University of Limpopo (UL) Athletics Club will join thousands of runners in the Comrades Marathon
This year’s race features the demanding 89km Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. Widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in road running, the event will once again attract some of the country’s top endurance athletes.
The UL team heads to KwaZulu-Natal after months of preparation, with athletes spending long hours on the road to prepare for the challenge. The squad includes experienced Comrades runners chasing personal bests and first-time participants eager to test themselves on one of the world’s most recognised ultramarathon stages.
UL Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele, wishes the University of Limpopo Athletics Club well ahead of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, where 20 athletes will represent the institution in the iconic ultramarathon.
UL Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele, congratulated the athletes and wished them well ahead of the race.
“The Comrades Marathon is more than a race; it is a test of character, resilience and determination. We are proud of our athletes for the dedication they have shown in preparing for this challenge. They carry not only the UL flag but also the hopes and aspirations of many young people,” said Dr Mabelebele.
He added that the athletes reflect the values of hard work, discipline and perseverance that the university seeks to instill in its students and staff.
“The university community will be cheering them on every step of the way. Regardless of the outcome, they have already made us proud through their commitment and willingness to push beyond their limits,” he said.
The team is led by coach and 2012 Comrades Marathon champion, Ludwick Mamabolo, who is confident that the athletes are ready for race day.
“The athletes have trained hard and remained disciplined throughout the preparations. We are pleased with the work that has been done and believe they are ready for the race,” said Mamabolo.
Acting Director of Sport and Recreation, Sonica Fritz, praised Mamabolo for building a competitive club and attracting talented athletes from both the university and surrounding communities.
She said the club continues to grow and welcomed the increasing number of students joining its ranks.
Athletics Coordinator Itumeleng Moagi said the training programme was designed specifically for the demands of the Up Run.
“Our athletes have been training on the challenging Magoebaskloof route near Tzaneen to prepare for the climbs between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The preparations have gone well, and we are ready for race day,” he said.
Among the runners is Pholosho Phaladi from the UL Transport Section, who will be running his fifth Comrades Marathon.
“Every Comrades Marathon presents a different challenge. My focus is on running a smart race and achieving my target time,” he said.
Tisetso Chuene, a pharmacist at the UL Health and Wellness Centre, will also be making his fifth appearance in the race.
“The preparation has gone well, and I am looking forward to race day. The goal is to improve on my previous performances and finish strongly,” he said.
The team also includes 27-year-old Shaun Nkiyasi Mkhawana from Tzaneen, who will be making her Comrades Marathon debut.
“What I love most about running is that moment when everything comes together. When the race gets tough and you keep going, that is where you learn the most about yourself,” she said.
The university will be looking to build on its strong 2025 performance, when all 22 UL athletes completed the race within the 12-hour cut-off. The team earned nine silver medals and finished 12th in the club standings